He Huan Pi, also known as Albizia Bark, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to support mental and emotional wellness. Literally meaning "Collective Happiness Bark", this herb is primarily used as a mild Shen calming herb. This bark is believed to have calming and soothing properties, and it is commonly used to treat various health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. He Huan Pi is also used to support healthy sleep and improve the quality of life for individuals who suffer from sleep-related disorders.
In TCM, He Huan Pi is considered to have a sweet and slightly bitter flavor, and is neutral in energetic action. It is often used in combination with other herbs to enhance its effects. This herb is believed to have a mild sedative effect, and it is commonly used to treat conditions that involve anxiety, stress, and depression. However, it also has an important action to invigorate blood circulation and reduce swelling, and is used occasionally for injuries, ranging from simple bruises to more serious injuries such as fractures. He Huan Pi can be found in the form of teas, decoctions, and dietary supplements, and it is often used in conjunction with other herbs to enhance its effects. He Huan Pi mainly enters the Heart and Lung meridians. When incorporating He Huan Pi into your daily routine, it is important to follow the recommended dosages and usage instructions and to consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for personalized recommendations.
High Quality He Huan Pi: What does it look like?
High-quality He Huan Pi is characterized by its light brown to yellowish-brown color and its distinctive, aromatic scent. The bark is smooth and flexible, and it is easily breakable. It may contain small, light brown patches or spots, which are a natural occurrence in the plant and do not affect its quality. The texture is soft and it has a slightly bitter taste. When processed, the pieces are slightly curved and have a uniform thickness, making it easy to use in various forms of traditional Chinese medicine, such as decoctions or tinctures.
How is He Huan Pi prepared and processed?
Albizia, also known as He Huan Pi, is native to China, Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions in Asia. More specifically, He Huan Pi is native to the central, southern and southeastern provinces of China, including Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong, and Fujian.
Albizia thrives in warm and humid climates, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Albizia also needs full sun to partial shade exposure and high levels of moisture to grow optimally. Adequate water and fertilizer should be provided to keep the soil moist and fertilized.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), He Huan Pi (the bark of the Albizia tree) is typically dried in the sun and sometimes air-dried or dried using low heat. The dried bark is then removed from the branches, sorted for quality and thickness, and packaged for use.
For processing according to TCM, the dried He Huan Pi is often ground into a fine powder or cut into small pieces for decoction (boiling in water to make a tea). In some cases, it is also soaked in hot water, alcohol, or vinegar to extract its active ingredients.
In TCM, He Huan Pi is believed to have calming, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant properties, and is commonly used in formulas to treat various emotional and mental imbalances such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Popular Recipe for He Huan Pi
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), He Huan Pi (Cortex Albiziae) is used in decoction or extract form to address emotional and cognitive symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. It is also used in combination with other herbs to treat gynecological disorders and improve circulation. The dried He Huan Pi is simmered in water to extract its active components, which can then be consumed as a tea or added to soups or stews. It is also used in the production of herbal tonics and pills. The recommended dosage and combination of herbs vary based on the individual's health condition and TCM diagnosis.
To make He Huan Pi extract:
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Obtain high-quality He Huan Pi, making sure it is clean and free from any contaminants.
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Chop the He Huan Pi into small pieces to increase surface area.
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Place the chopped He Huan Pi in a jar and add enough alcohol, such as ethanol or grain alcohol, to cover the herb.
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Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for several weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
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After several weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the herb from the alcohol.
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Transfer the extract to a clean, airtight bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
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The extract can be used as a tonic or added to herbal formulas as directed by a licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
Note: The exact ratio of herb to alcohol, and the length of time for the extraction process may vary based on the desired strength of the extract. It's best to consult with a licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine for the proper usage and application of He Huan Pi extract.
Safety Precautions for the use of He Huan Pi
When using and handling He Huan Pi (Albizia julibrissin), it is important to take the following precautions:
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Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using He Huan Pi, as it may interact with certain medications or have contraindications for certain health conditions.
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Avoid using He Huan Pi in large doses, as it may cause adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
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Avoid using He Huan Pi during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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Keep He Huan Pi out of reach of children and pets.
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Store He Huan Pi in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
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If you experience any adverse reactions after using He Huan Pi, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
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He Huan Pi should be used with caution if you have a history of allergies or skin sensitivities, as it may cause skin irritation.
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He Huan Pi should also be used with caution if you have a history of gastrointestinal conditions, as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
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He Huan Pi may also cause drowsiness or dizziness, so use caution if you will be driving or operating heavy machinery after consuming it.
It’s important to note that this is a general guideline and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist to determine the right dosage and usage for you
Additional Information about He Huan Pi
Common Names: He Huan Pi (Albizia Bark); Albizia Julibrissin; Albiziae Cortex,
Properties: Sweet, neutral
Channels Entered: Heart, Liver
